As we go through life and the trials that come along with it, we sometimes begin to get discouraged and frustrated. We get so caught up in the world that sometimes we lose sight of who we truly are, and sometimes it takes a complete stranger to remind us.
So this one time. . .
After weeks of stress I found myself exhausted, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My motivation to press forward was dwindling and I fought to keep a smile to show the world. I hit that point where I just had to get away from it all, escape my reality even for just a moment, so I bought a plane ticket to Hawaii. My best friend is living there and if there was ever a moment in my life I needed a friend it was now.
The trip was perfect, exactly what I needed. But there was one moment in particular that stood out immensely,
Destiny and I were riding on TheBus to another part of the island, it was just another day. It had rained and was slightly cold, so we were dressed in long pants and jackets - just like everyone else. There was nothing about us that should make us stand out among the other passengers that day yet something did. As we were riding and talking I noticed a man on TheBus who had been making conversation with some of the other passengers, was suddenly focused on us, feeling slightly uncomfortable I tried to ignore his stare yet I could feel it piercing through me as if he were looking deep inside us. Once again I glanced his direction and upon our eyes meeting he said,
"Are you girls Latter Day Saints?"
The question kind of threw me because I had never heard someone ask it quite like that, yet we pleasantly responded that we were. He smiled and said,
"You look like Latter Day Saints."
That sentence struck me, there was nothing about my appearance that should have stood out that day but I was reminded of the countenance that shines within us as members of the church. This stranger reminded me that I am a Latter Day Saint, I am a Daughter of God, and I am never alone in my trials. Chances are I will never see that man again, but I will never forget the message he taught; this man was not a member of the church, but he did not have to be to recognize the light of Christ burning within us. This simple reminder gave me the strength and courage to press on in faith through my afflictions. God is watching out for each one of us, and He sends us 'ordinary angels' that can bless our lives in extraordinary ways if we open our hearts to allow them to do so.
